Interface for medical infusion pump

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for programming a medical infusion pump are disclosed. One method includes displaying a meter having two or more locations, each of the two or more locations representing a corresponding parameter value programmable into the medical infusion pump. The method further includes displaying an indicator having a selectable positional relationship to the meter, the selected position corresponding to a parameter value.

REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/835,926, filed Aug. 3, 2006, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Patients at hospitals and other care centers regularly requirecontrolled drug intake as a part of the patient's prescribed therapy.One form of controlled drug intake is accomplished by infusing fluidicdrugs with a medical infusion pump.

Medical infusion pumps, in general, provide regulated drug delivery to apatient. These pumps are used to deliver a selected drug or othertherapeutic agent to a patient at a predetermined rate that isprogrammed into the pump. However, programming and managing such pumpscan be difficult and cumbersome. Programming typically includespreloading a pump program into a pump and then entering pump parametersor data into the pump through a keypad that is directly in the pump.Each time the pump is programmed, the data must be reentered by hand.

Managing the status and locations of pumps also can be difficult. Asingle pump can be us programmed for delivering different fluids indifferent therapies and in different locations within a hospital.Similarly, the status of a pump and alarms can be difficult to monitorbecause the pumps are often in locations other than where the caregiveris located and have small displays on which information can be difficultto see.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, a method of programming a medical infusionpump is disclosed. The method includes displaying a meter having two ormore locations, each of the two or more locations representing acorresponding parameter value programmable into the medical infusionpump. The method further includes displaying an indicator having aselectable positional relationship to the meter, the selected positioncorresponding to a parameter value.

According to a second aspect, an apparatus for programming a medicalinfusion pump is disclosed. The apparatus includes a memory configuredto store at least two parameter values programmable into the medicalinfusion pump. The apparatus also includes a monitor. The apparatusfurther includes a programmable circuit in electrical communication withthe memory and the monitor. The programmable circuit is programmed todisplay on the monitor a meter having two or more locations, each of thetwo or more locations representing a corresponding parameter valueprogrammable into the medical infusion pump. The programmable circuit isalso programmed to display an indicator having a selectable positionalrelationship to the meter, the selected position corresponding to aparameter value.

According to a third aspect, a method of programming a medical infusionpump is disclosed. The method includes displaying a slider bar having aplurality of locations, each of the plurality of locations representinga corresponding parameter value programmable into the medical infusionpump, the slider bar including a warning region located along a portionof the slider bar. The method also includes displaying an indicatormovable along the slider bar to a selected position, the selectedposition corresponding to a parameter value. The method further includesdownloading the parameter value to the medical infusion pump. The methodalso includes, upon detection of movement of the indicator to a positionwithin the warning region, issuing an alert.

According to yet another aspect, an apparatus for programming a medicalinfusion pump is disclosed. The apparatus includes a memory configuredto store at least two parameter values programmable into the medicalinfusion pump and one or more hard limits. The apparatus also includes amonitor. The apparatus further includes a programmable circuit inelectrical communication with the memory and the monitor. Theprogrammable circuit is programmed to set one or more hard limits todefine a range of permissible parameter values for programming a medicalinfusion pump. The programmable circuit is also programmed to display onthe monitor a meter having two or more locations, each of the two ormore locations representing a corresponding parameter value within therange. The programmable circuit is further programmed to display on themonitor an indicator having a positional relationship to the meter, theposition corresponding to a parameter value within the range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a pump-computer communication system according to apossible embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an infusion pump network according to a possibleembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates the architecture of a computing system that can beused to implement aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates the architecture of a pump that can be used toimplement aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary infusion pump network according to a possibleembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is an exemplary data structure for a pump protocol libraryaccording to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is an exemplary data structure for a pump protocol libraryaccording to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6C is an exemplary data structure for pump protocols according to apossible embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary architecture of administrative software forsetting global pump protocols according to a possible embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8 is one example of a computer user interface library import screenin accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is one example of a computer user interface for administrativesoftware in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is one example of a computer user interface location tab inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is one example of a computer user interface therapy tab inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is one example of a computer user interface protocol tab inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is one example of a computer user interface drug bar codedisplay screen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is one example of a computer user interface prescription orderform display screen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is one example of a computer user interface therapy selectionscreen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is one example of a computer user interface qualifier selectionscreen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is one example of a computer user interface drug selectionscreen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is one example of a computer user interface drug delivery tab inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is one example of a computer user interface weight-based drugdelivery tab in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is one example of a computer user interface secondary drugdelivery tab in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is one example of a computer user interface alarm tab inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is one example of a computer user interface security tab inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is one example of a computer user interface appearance tab inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is one example of a computer user interface report tab inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is one example of a computer user interface library exportscreen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram of methods and systems for custom programmingof a medical infusion pump according to a possible embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 27 is one example of a computer user interface library importscreen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a flow diagram of methods and systems for editing and loadinga protocol for a medical infusion pump according to a possibleembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is one example of a computer user interface protocol selectionscreen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is one example of a computer user interface therapy selectionscreen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is one example of a computer user interface qualifier selectionscreen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 32 is one example of a computer user interface drug selectionscreen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram of methods and systems for custom programmingof a medical infusion pump according to a possible embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 34 is one example of a computer user interface drug deliverycustomization screen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 is one example of a computer user interface drug deliverycustomization screen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 36 is one example of a computer user interface medical infusionpump programming screen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a flow diagram of methods and systems for displaying medicalinfusion pump customizations according to a possible embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 38 is one example of a computer user interface pump comparisonscreen in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 39 is a schematic front view of a medical infusion pump displayinga change bar according to a possible embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 40 is one example of a computer user interface report generationscreen in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 41 is one example of a computer user interface report screen inaccordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts andassemblies throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto.Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are notintended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possibleembodiments for the appended claims.

The following discussion is intended to provide a brief, generaldescription of a suitable computing environment in which the inventionmay be implemented. Although not required, the invention will bedescribed in the general context of computer-executable instructionsbeing executed by a computer, for example, a hand held computer, apersonal computing system, or a medical infusion pump. The structure,creation, and use of a message store hierarchical folder structure aredescribed after the discussion of an exemplary operating environment.

Additionally, the logical operations of the various embodiments of theinvention described herein are implemented as: (1) a sequence ofcomputer implemented operations running on a computing system; and/or(2) interconnected machine modules within the computing system. Modulesrepresent functions executed by program code such as commonly availableprogramming languages or as the code found in a dynamic-link library(DLL). The implementation used is a matter of choice dependent on theperformance requirements of the pump and the computing systems withwhich it interfaces. Accordingly, the logical operations making up theembodiments of the invention described herein can be referred toalternatively as operations, modules, and the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an infusion pump network100 having a medical infusion pump 102, a computing system 104, and acommunications link 106. The medical infusion pump 102 is configured todeliver therapeutic fluids, such as drugs, saline, or nutrition to apatient. Examples, of medical infusion pumps 102 include ambulatorypumps, stationary pumps, and pole mounted pumps.

The computing system 104 is configured to execute computer-readableinstructions, such as computer software. The computing system 104 can belocated in a variety of locations such as the point of care (POC) wherea patient is being treated, in a healthcare facility at a locationremote from the POC, or even at an off-site location remote from thehealthcare facility itself. In further embodiments, the medical infusionpump 102 acts as the computing system 104.

In the exemplary embodiment, the computing system 104 is programmed togenerate and store pump protocols for execution in the context of a pumpapplication program. Each pump protocol includes a series of pumpparameters. Pump parameters refer to settings that define an operationalaspect of a medical infusion pump. The pump parameters dictate thecontrol of the pump.

Pump protocols are collections of these pump parameters defining thevariable operational characteristics of a medical infusion pump duringapplication of a specific therapy, qualifier, and drug. The pumpprotocol includes a listing of operational parameters to be included inthe pump, and correlates to an index for referring to a specificprotocol containing a specific set of pump parameters. The index can beassociated with a therapy, qualifier, and drug, and is either containedwithin the protocol or associated with a specific protocol. The pumpprotocol includes patient specific pump parameters and non-patientspecific pump parameters. Patient specific pump parameters refer tothose parameters which are set on a patient-by-patient basis, and forexample include the basal delivery rate or bolus amount. Non-patientspecific pump parameters refer to those parameters which are set for thepump to perform specific tasks, and do not account for the specificpatient to which they are applied. These parameters are generallyrelated to the pump, the infusion pump network, or the medical care tobe provided by the pump and/or pump network. Non-patient specific pumpparameters can include, for example, a range of permissible values forbasal delivery, a range of values and patterns for basal delivery, arange of permissible values for boluses, a range of values and patternsfor extended boluses, a starting value within a particular range ofvalues, alarm values, protocols for data communication, and various flagsettings.

A pump application program is a program having instructions (e.g.,executable code, rules, and/or data) that control operation of the pumpfor a specific therapy or type of delivery (e.g., continuous delivery,intermittent delivery, pain control, chemotherapy, total parenteralnutrition, etc.). For example, a pump application program might containinstructions that define operation of a pump to accomplish various ofthe pump parameters. Pump application programs include, for example,pump protocols including both patient specific and non-patient specificpump parameters, and instructions for allocating memory, userinterfaces, or algorithms for monitoring various sensors and driving amotor for the pump mechanism.

The communications link 106 connects the pump 102 and computing system104. In various embodiments, the communications link 106 can includeserial or parallel connections, wired or wireless connections, and adirect or networked connection to a computer. Additionally, the pump 102and the computing system 104 can communicate using any protocolappropriate for data communication. Examples of network connections to acomputer include Intranet, Internet, and LAN (e.g., Ethernet). Examplesof wired connections to a computer include USB, RS-232, Firewire, andpower-line modem connection. Examples of wireless connections includebluetooth, 802.11a/b/g, infrared (IR), and radio frequency (RF).

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an infusion pump network200 having a server 206 networked with a plurality of computing systems104 ₁-104 _(n). The network 200 can be any wired or wireless networkthat enables data communication between the server, computing systems,and medical infusion pumps. Examples of networks include the Internet,Intranets, and LANs. Each computing system 104 can communicate with amedical infusion pump 102 ₁-102 _(n) through a communication link 106.

In the exemplary embodiment, the individual computing systems 104 _(n)execute software for generating and managing pump application programsand sets of pump operating parameters. The pump application programs andsets of pump operating parameters are stored on the server 206 so theycan be accessed by other individual computing systems 104 _(n). Theindividual computing systems 104 _(n) are also programmed to retrievepreviously created pump application programs and sets of pump operatingparameters that are stored on the server 206 for viewing, editing, anddownloading to medical infusion pumps 102 _(n).

In alternative embodiments, the medical infusion pumps 102 _(n) candirectly access the server to retrieve pump application programs andsets of pump operating parameters. For example, the medical infusionpumps 102 _(n) can be loaded with client software such as a web browserand communicate directly with the network 200, either through a wired orwireless connection as described herein.

In other alternative embodiments, one or more of the computing systemsis not configured to communicate directly with a medical infusion pump102 _(n), but rather provides administrative access to the server 206for generating, viewing, and editing pump application programs and setsof pump operating parameters. Additionally, servers, workstations, andother computing systems unaffiliated with the medical infusion pumps 102_(n) can be included in the network 200.

In yet other alternative embodiments, the software is executed in theserver 206. For example, the server functions as an application serviceprovider that communicates user interface and other data entries inmark-up language such as HTML or some other language or protocol thatallows a user to execute software from a remote location. In theseembodiments, the server 206 can function as an application serviceprovider in which the server provides access to the software forgenerating and storing pump application programs and pump protocols thata user can create and download to a medical infusion pump. For example,the server 206 could be located at a pump manufacture, pharmaceuticalmanufacture, pharmacist, or some other third party separate from theuser. The server 206 in such an embodiment can be accessed either froman individual computing system 104 or by a medical infusion pump 102that has networking capabilities and client software.

Example embodiments of a server 206 and a medical infusion pump 102having a web browser are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/066,425, which was filed on Feb. 22, 2005 and is entitled Server forMedical Device, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary architecture that can be used toimplement aspects of the present disclosure, including the computingsystems 104 and the server 206. The computing system architectureincludes a general purpose computing device in the form of a computingsystem 300. The computing system 300 can be used, for example, as thecomputing system or server of FIG. 2, and can execute program modulesincluded in the administrative software or user software disclosedbelow.

The computing system 300 including at least one processing system 302. Avariety of processing units are available from a variety ofmanufacturers, for example, Intel or Advanced Micro Devices. Thecomputing system 300 also includes a system memory 304, and a system bus306 that couples various system components including the system memory304 to the processing unit 302. The system bus 306 may be any of anumber of types of bus structures including a memory bus, or memorycontroller; a peripheral bus; and a local bus using any of a variety ofbus architectures.

The system memory 304 can include read only memory (ROM) 308 and randomaccess memory (RAM) 310. A basic input/output system 312 (BIOS),containing the basic routines that help transfer information betweenelements within the computing system 300, such as during start up, istypically stored in the ROM 308.

The computing system 300 can also include a secondary storage device313, such as a hard disk drive, for reading from and writing to a harddisk (not shown), and/or a compact flash card 314.

The hard disk drive 313 and compact flash card 314 are connected to thesystem bus 306 by a hard disk drive interface 320 and a compact flashcard interface 322, respectively. The drives and cards and theirassociated computer readable media provide nonvolatile storage ofcomputer readable instructions, data structures, program modules andother data for the computing system 300.

Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a hard diskdrive 313 and a compact flash card 314, other types of computer-readablemedia, capable of storing data, can be used in the exemplary system.Examples of these other types of computer-readable mediums includemagnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, Bernoullicartridges, CD ROMS, DVD ROMS, random access memories (RAMs), or readonly memories (ROMs).

A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk 313, compactflash card 314, ROM 308, or RAM 310, including an operating system 326,one or more application programs 328, other program modules 330, andprogram data 332. A user may enter commands and information into thecomputing system 300 through an input device 334. Examples of inputdevices might include a keyboard, mouse, microphone, joystick, game pad,satellite dish, scanner, digital camera, touch screen, and a telephone.These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit302 through an interface 340 that is coupled to the system bus 306.These input devices also might be connected by any number of interfaces,such as a parallel port, serial port, game port, or a universal serialbus (USB). Wireless communication between input devices and interfaces340 is possible as well, and can include infrared, bluetooth,802.11a/b/g, cellular, or other radio frequency communication systems. Adisplay device 342, such as a monitor or touch screen LCD panel, is alsoconnected to the system bus 306 via an interface, such as a videoadapter 344. The display device 342 might be internal or external. Inaddition to the display device 342, computing systems, in general,typically include other peripheral devices (not shown), such asspeakers, printers, and palm devices.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computing system 300 isconnected to the local network through a network interface or adapter352. When used in a WAN networking environment, such as the Internet,the computing system 300 typically includes a modem 354 or othercommunications type, such as a direct connection, for establishingcommunications over the wide area network. The modem 354, which can beinternal or external, is connected to the system bus 306 via theinterface 340. In a networked environment, program modules depictedrelative to the computing system 300, or portions thereof, may be storedin a remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated that thenetwork connections shown are exemplary and other methods ofestablishing a communications link between the computing systems may beused.

The computing system 300 might also include a recorder 360 connected tothe memory 304. The recorder 360 includes a microphone for receivingsound input and is in communication with the memory 304 for bufferingand storing the sound input. The recorder 360 also can include a recordbutton 361 for activating the microphone and communicating the soundinput to the memory 304.

A computing device, such as computing system 300, typically includes atleast some form of computer-readable media. Computer readable media canbe any available media that can be accessed by the computing system 300.By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media mightcomprise computer storage media and communication media.

Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but isnot limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other opticalstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used tostore the desired information and that can be accessed by the computingsystem 300.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” refersto a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changedin such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way ofexample, and not limitation, communication media includes wired mediasuch as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless mediasuch as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinationsof any of the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media. Computer-readable media may also be referred toas computer program product.

FIG. 4 illustrates the architecture of a medical infusion pump 400 thatcan be used to implement aspects of the present disclosure. Amicroprocessor 402 is in electrical communication with and controls apump motor 404, a screen 406, an audible alarm 408, and a vibratoryalarm 410. Other embodiments can use a microcomputer, or any other typeof programmable circuit, in place of the microprocessor.

The pump motor 404 drives a drive mechanism 412. The drive mechanism 412delivers the therapeutic fluid to a patient. The drive mechanism can beconnected to a plunger system, a peristaltic drive mechanism, or anothertype of fluid delivery system.

The screen 406 can have many different configurations such as an LCDscreen. The screen 406 displays a user interface that presents variousitems of information useful to a patient or caregiver. The audible alarm408 is a beeper, and an alarm provides actual alarms, warnings, andreminders. Similar to other portable electronic devices such as acellular telephone, the vibratory alarm 410 provides an alarm to eithersupplement the audio alarms or replace the audio alarm when an audiblebeep would be disruptive or not heard. A user can selectively enable ordisable the audible 408 and vibratory 410 alarms. In one possibleembodiment, however, both the audible 408 and vibratory 410 alarmscannot be disabled at the same time.

The microprocessor 402 is in electrical communication with both a randomaccess memory (RAM) 416 and a read only memory (ROM) 418, which areonboard the pump 400 but external to the microprocessor 402 itself. Inone possible embodiment, the microprocessor 402 includes internal memoryas well. The RAM 416 is a static RAM stores that data that can changeover time such as pump settings and a historical log of eventsexperienced by the medical infusion pump 400. The ROM 418 stores codefor the operating system and the application programs. The ROM 418 canbe any type of programmable ROM such as an EPROM. In one possibleembodiment, the RAM 416 has 500 kilobytes of memory capacity and the ROM418 has 2 megabytes of memory capacity.

An infrared (IR) port 420 is in electrical communication with themicroprocessor. As explained in more detail below, the IR port 420provides data communication with an external device such as a computerfor programming an application program, programming pump settings, anddownloading historical data logs. The medical infusion pump 400 caninclude other types of communication ports in place of or in addition tothe IR port 420. Examples of other possible communication ports includea radio frequency (RF) port or a port that provides a hard-wired datacommunication link such as an RS-232 port, a USB port, or the like.

A real-time clock 422 provides a clock signal to the microprocessor 402.An advantage of having a real-time clock 422 is that it provides theprogram with the actual time in real-time so that the programs executedby the medical infusion pump can track and control the actual time ofday that drug delivery and other events occur. Various durationsdescribed here are used for alerts, alarms, reminders, and otherfunctions. In one possible embodiment, the timers are formed by thereal-time clock 422 and software executed by the microprocessor 402.

A keypad 424 also provides input to the microprocessor 402. Althoughother possible types of keypads are possible, one type of keypad hasfour buttons and is a membrane-type of keypad, which provides resistanceto water and other environmental conditions. The keypad 424 containssoft keys for which the function of the keys can change as a userexecutes different menu selections and commands.

An audio bolus button 425 optionally provides input to themicroprocessor 402. The audio bolus button 425 can program the pump 400to audibly administer a bolus of drugs or other therapeutic fluidswithout requiring visual confirmation using the pump. In an exampleembodiment, the audio bolus button 425 can be pressed a series of timesto trigger bolus delivery of a selected volume, based on a preprogrammedtrigger granularity. A single button press can represent a bolus of 5grams, as selected by a user, and subsequent presses of the audio bolusbutton can represent multiples thereof.

Other inputs into the microprocessor 402 can include an occlusion sensor426, which is sensitive to occlusions in the therapeutic fluid deliveryline; a cartridge sensor 428, which is sensitive to the presence of atherapeutic fluid cartridge; and a motion detector 430, which detectsmotion of a gear (not shown) in the drive mechanism 412. In an exemplaryembodiment, the cartridge sensor 428 includes one or more sensorsconfigured to detect insertion of a therapeutic fluid cartridge. Thepump 400 can detect the type of cartridge present via a mechanicalinterface, and can include in the pump software instructions regardingoperation in conjunction with the cartridge. Examples of cassettesensing features are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,697,filed on Apr. 15, 1994, issued on Jul. 2, 1996, and entitled Systems andMethods for Cassette Identification for Drug Pumps.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic architecture of a medical infusion pumpnetwork 500 according to an exemplary embodiment. The medical infusionpump network 500 includes an administrator computer 502 communicativelyconnected to the server 206 of FIG. 2, which includes a database 504.The medical infusion pump network 500 also includes one or more medicalinfusion pumps 102 and computing systems 104.

The administrator computer 502 and computing systems 104 are systemssuch as those described above in conjunction with FIG. 3. Theadministrator computer 502 includes administrative software installed onor accessible to the computer for generating one or more libraries 508of pump protocols 510. An exemplary embodiment of the administrativesoftware is described below in FIGS. 7-25.

In the present disclosure, libraries refer to collections of pumpprotocols generated using the administrative software described herein.Libraries can be stored in files, databases, or other data structures.Libraries contain pump protocols as well as indices pointing to theprotocols, and are loaded in user software to select a specific pumpprotocol for operation of a medical infusion pump.

The computing systems 104 include user software for accessing one ormore libraries 508 of protocols 510 and programming a medical infusionpump 102 with a protocol 510 or a library 508. In one possibleembodiment, the computing systems 104 are optional in that the usersoftware resides directly on the medical infusion pumps 102. Anexemplary embodiment of the user software is described below in FIGS.26-41.

The medical infusion pumps 102 connect either to a computing system 104or directly to the server 206, and are described above in conjunctionwith FIG. 4. In a first embodiment, the medical infusion pumps 102 areconfigured to accept a pump protocol from the server 206 or thecomputing system 104. In a second embodiment, the medical infusion pumps102 are configured to accept a library 508 of pump protocols 510directly from the server 206 or from the computing system 104.

The database 504 contains pump protocol data 506 and log files 516. Thepump protocol data 506 forms a plurality of libraries 508 which in turneach include a number of protocols 510. Each protocol 510 is stored as adata record, and includes a set of parameters, including patientspecific pump parameters 512 a and non-patient specific pump parameters512 b, as described above. Each library 508 can contain one or more pumpprotocols 510.

The log files 516 include log data regarding access and usage of thelibraries 508, and can include information related to the administratorcomputer 502, the medical infusion pumps 102, or the computing systems104 authorized to connect to the server 206. In one possible embodiment,the log files include access records, which record instances in whichmedical infusion pumps access a library 508 on the server 206.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate exemplary data sets accepted by medical infusionpumps 102. The specific data set accepted by a medical infusion pump 102is dependent upon that pump, but in various embodiments, the pumpsaccept data sets representing pump libraries, pump protocols, or pumpprograms. FIG. 6A shows a library 508 in greater detail. The library 508can be loaded into the memory of a medical infusion pump 102, allowing auser of the pump to select a protocol for operation. The library 508includes a number of protocols 510, which include patient specific pumpparameters 512 a, non-patient specific pump parameters 512 b, and anindex 514. The number of protocols 510 within a given library can vary,and depends upon the number defined using the administrative software.

The total number of pump parameters 512 a-512 b remains constant foreach particular model of pump, but can vary between types of pumps.Additionally, the pump parameters 512 a-512 b can be configured in anumber of formats within each protocol 510 for the same type of pump.For example, the number of patient specific pump parameters 512 a canvary between protocols due to the specific type of drug and therapyapplied. For example, a protocol defining a continuous drug delivery mayonly require a single patient specific protocol, namely, the drugdelivery rate. In another example, a protocol defining intermittent drugdelivery may require additional patient specific pump parameters, suchas the time between drug delivery phases, a bolus amount, patient bolusamounts, and other parameters. The number of non-patient specific pumpparameters 512 b represents the difference between the total number ofparameters programmable into a pump and the number of patient specificpump parameters 512 a as dictated by the therapy and drug applied.

The index 514 can be any generic index referencing a specific locationwithin the library. Each index is unique within the library, althoughanother library may contain the same index and relate that index to adifferent set of pump parameters contained within that library. In theexemplary embodiment shown, the index 514 includes therapy, qualifier,and drug regions. By selecting a combination of a therapy, a qualifier,and a drug, a user of the system can select one of the protocols 510from the library 508. Therapies, as referred to herein, are the methodsof patient treatment for diseases or generalized rehabilitation. Forexample, a therapy can be an epidural treatment or patient-controlledanalgesia. Qualifiers include factors affecting the administration of atherapy, such as weight, age, or sensitivity of a patient to a specifictherapy. Drugs refer to any therapeutic fluids deliverable by a medicalinfusion pump.

Each of the protocol entries on the server can be assigned anidentification code in order to ensure that the medical infusion pumpsaccess a correct library and/or protocol, and that the protocols on themedical infusion pumps and computing systems associated with the server206 of FIG. 5 are up to date. These identification codes are generatedby the server and stored in conjunction with the protocol in the server206, as well as in the medical infusion pump 102 and/or its associatedcomputing system 104. The identification codes can be generated usingglobally unique identifiers (GUID), and are used to track the specificprotocol and/or library accessed by each pump 102 or computing system104 in the database 504. A GUID is a 128-bit pseudo random number usedto provide a statistically unique identifier for corresponding theprotocol on the pump 102 to the protocol as stored in the server 206.The GUID can be generated by the server 206 and transmitted alongsidethe protocol and/or library when transmitted to the computing system 104or infusion pump 102. The server copy of the GUID can be storedalongside the protocol in the database 504, and the pump copy can bestored in RAM in the medical infusion pump 102 or computing system 104.Each time the medical infusion pump 102 or computing system 104 accessesthe protocol on the server 206, the GUID assigned to that protocol asstored in the pump 102 or computing system 104 can be matched to theprotocol as stored in the database 504 to ensure that the correctprotocol is accessed. Different protocols in different libraries can usethe same index of therapy, qualifier, and drug, and can be stored in thesame database, but have a unique GUID and are therefore uniquelyidentifiable. In a possible embodiment, the GUID system can be used inconjunction with user access control systems, such as are disclosed inconjunction with both the user software and administrative software,below. In a further embodiment, a new GUID can be generated andassociated with each protocol when first created, or optionally eachtime the protocol is edited using administrative software, such as isdescribed below.

FIG. 6B illustrates a second possible embodiment of a library 508. Thelibrary 508 contains a number of protocols 510, which, as in FIG. 6A,include patient specific pump parameters 512 a, non-patient specificpump parameters 512 b, and an index 514. The number of protocols 510included in each library 508 may vary, so the number of protocols 510 inthe library 508 of FIG. 6B may be different from the number of protocolsin the library shown in 6A. In the embodiment shown, the library 508contains one protocol 510. Additionally, one or more of the therapy,qualifier, and drug regions in the index 514 can be replaced by otherindex criteria, such as locations, pump programs, doctor identification,or other indexable criteria capable of referring to a unique pumpprotocol within the library. In the example shown, the “therapy” regionis used to select a pump program, such as a continuous delivery program,an intermittent delivery program, or a specific type of program such asa pain management program. The “qualifier” region is used to select adoctor, and may be the name of a doctor using the infusion pump networkof FIG. 5.

FIG. 6C illustrates a series of possible pump protocols 510 a-510 c. Thepump protocols 510 a-510 c incorporate patient specific pump parameters512 a and non-patient specific pump parameters 512 b. Protocols 510 arespecific to a pump 102, in that the pump has a specific number and typeof parameters that are programmable. Therefore, the total number of pumpparameters remains constant. However, the number of patient specificpump parameters 512 a can vary depending upon the protocol selected forprogramming into the pump, which in turn dictates that the number ofnon-patient specific pump parameters 512 b varies as well. In a possibleembodiment, one of the protocols 510 is selected using a computingsystem 104 or infusion pump 102. If selected using the computing system,the protocol is then programmed into the medical infusion pump 102.

In another possible embodiment, the pump protocol 510 is selected usingthe infusion pump 102 or the computing system 104. The pump protocol 510is then incorporated into a pump program to provide a set ofinstructions dictating the operation of a medical infusion pump 102according to the protocol 510. The complete pump program is thendownloaded into the pump 102. In yet another possible embodiment, thepump program is downloaded to the pump 102 at a different time from thepump protocol 510. In still a further embodiment, multiple pump programsreside within the pump 102, and the pump protocol 510 contains aparameter which dictates which pump program is to be used. In a furtherembodiment, the pump program within the pump is altered based on one ormore of the pump parameters included in the pump protocol 510.

FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary architecture of administrative software 700for generating one or more libraries of pump protocols. The software 700can operate within the server 206, pump 102, computing system 104, or acombination thereof.

The administrative software 700 allows a user, for example a doctor,nurse, pharmacist, or other caregiver, to create, define, and edit pumpapplication programs and protocols for execution in and control ofmedical infusion pumps 102. For example, the administrative software 700can generate protocols and programs that can be loaded using the usersoftware described in FIGS. 26-41, below.

The administrative software 700 provides protocol-based programming ofmedical infusion pumps in which the user creates a pump applicationprogram by designating a particular therapy and other criteria such as alocation and qualifiers (e.g., patient age, weight, skin surface area).Once criteria are selected, the administrative software 700 appliesrules and other logic that assembles sets of pump parameters into a pumpprotocol. For example, the administrative software 700 might be used toselect one delivery pattern and enable bolus delivery if the selectedtherapy is for delivering pain medication and another delivery patternand not enable bolus delivery if the selected therapy is for parenteralnutrition. In another example, the administrative software 700 might beused to select one range of permissible delivery rates if one of thecriteria indicates the patient is an adolescent and different range ofpermissible delivery rates if the patient is an adult. Other embodimentspermit programming a medical infusion pump 102 without usingtherapy-based programming. Additional embodiments of protocol- ortherapy-based programming is discussed in more detail in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/003,147, filed on Dec. 3, 2004 and entitledProgramming Medical Pumps with Electronic Standing Order Template, theentire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Operation of the software 700 begins at a start module 702. The startmodule 702 corresponds to initial execution of the administrativesoftware by clicking on an icon on the computer or by some othermechanism for executing software. Upon startup, the software 700connects to a library loaded in the database 504 of FIG. 5.

Following the start module, operational flow optionally proceeds to aload library module 704, which allows a user to access a listing oflibrary files available to the administrative software 700. The libraryfiles contain one or more libraries, which in turn contain a collectionof pump protocols as described above. The collection of library filescan be stored in the server 206 or in one or more individual computingsystems 102. The load library module 704 allows the user to select alibrary file containing one or more libraries for viewing, editing, anddownloading to a medical infusion pump 102. If a user does not want todownload or otherwise access an existing library, it can selectivelybypass the load library module 704. An example of when a user bypassesthe load library module 704 is if the user plans to only create a newlibrary or edit one or more protocols within the currently loadedlibrary. In an alternative embodiment, the software always executes theload library module 704 and the user then selectively chooses whether toload any previously created libraries via a stored library file.

Following the start module 702 and optional load library module 704,operational flow proceeds to a login module 706. The login module 706regulates user rights in the software 700. User rights define accesslevels to the currently connected library in user software, and areconfigurable for users such as doctors, nurses, or other caregivers.Based on the user rights assigned to a caregiver, that user will have aset access level allowing the user to view, add, or edit pump librarieswithin the user software, described in detail below. Access levels canbe set according to a variety of criteria. Examples include the type ofcaregiver (e.g., physician, nurse, pharmacist), location (e.g.,hospital, clinic, pharmacy, manufacturer), or a particular departmentwithin a location.

In possible embodiments, different access levels also provide differentrights with respect to a particular pump protocol or pump operationalparameters. For example, one access level might give a user a right toedit, create, and download pump protocols and/or pump applicationprograms. One access level might permit a user the right to edit,create, and download only specified pump parameters, such as the patientspecific pump parameters described in conjunction with FIGS. 5-6. Oneaccess level might permit a user the right to only edit or download pumpparameters. One access level might permit a user the right to only viewand download pump parameters. Different embodiments can include theability to provide an access level for a user any combination of rightsto create, edit, view, and/or download pump application programs and/orpump operational parameters. An example of lock levels are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,475,180, issued on Nov. 5, 2002 and entitled Drug PumpSystems and Methods, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

Once the user is logged in and the library is optionally loaded, theuser selectively executes three different modules, a library module 708,a therapy module 710, and a protocol module 712.

The library module 708 assigns a label that identifies an entity anduser attributes for the selected entity. Entity attributes can beproperties specific to the library, such as a name of a doctor, a nameof a healthcare regimen, or a location of the medical infusion pump orpump network, for example the hospital or department at which the pumpis located. User attributes define the users allowed to access andmodify pump parameters for protocols associated with a particularlibrary by using the medical infusion pump, and can also define usersallowed to modify pump protocols using user software, as describedbelow. The library module 708 contains a library definition module 714and a user rights module 716, which are configured to perform thesetasks, respectively.

The therapy module 710 adds and modifies therapies, qualifiersassociated with the therapies, and drugs. The therapy module includes atherapy definition module 718, a qualifier definition module 720, and adrug definition module 722. The therapy definition module 718 controlsaddition and editing of therapies, which are the methods of patienttreatment for diseases or generalized rehabilitation as previouslydescribed. The qualifier module 720 defines qualifiers and associatesthe qualifiers with one or more therapies. The drug definition module722 defines one or more drugs that can be used in the medical infusionpump.

The protocol module 712 adds, edits, and defines protocols byassociating therapies, qualifiers, and drugs with pump parameters toform libraries of pump protocols for a medical infusion pump. Theprotocol module 712 allows a user to select a therapy defined in thetherapy definition module 718. The protocol module further allows theuser to associate a qualifier defined in the qualifier definition module720 with the selected therapy. For example, one or both of “adults” and“children 5-10 years” qualifiers can be associated with an epiduraltherapy. The protocol module 712 also associates one or more drugs witheach therapy and qualifier combination, indicating that use of the drugis appropriate for that therapy and qualifier. The protocol module 712guides the user in defining a protocol by assigning default pumpparameters to be associated with the selected therapy, qualifier, anddrug.

The protocol module 712 allows a user to associate more than onequalifier to each therapy, and also allows a user to associate more thanone drug to each therapy and qualifier combination. For example, aprotocol used in an epidural therapy for an adult can include a higherbasal delivery rate parameter than a protocol used with a child for thesame therapy. Likewise, usage of one drug can require a higher or lowerdosage than another drug for the same therapy and qualifier because ofconcentration, reaction, or other factors.

Operational flow proceeds from the modules 708, 710, 712 to an optionalexport library module 724. The export library module 724 saves thedefined or edited pump application programs and parameters in a file orother data structure that can be loaded by the administrative software700 at another time or location, or can be loaded by user software suchas described below in FIGS. 26-41. If the export library module 724 doesnot execute, the library remains within the normally connected database504 of FIG. 5, but is not extracted into a file for portability to apump not connected to the network or to another medical infusion pumpnetwork. One or more libraries can be exported into a single libraryfile.

Operation of the software 700 terminates at an end module 726. The endmodule 726 corresponds to termination of the administrative software 700by clicking on a close window button on the computer or by some othermechanism for terminating execution of software.

In one embodiment of the administrative software 700, a user of thesoftware 700 defines each protocol included in a library. In definingeach protocol, the user assigns the index to the protocol, such as thetherapy, qualifier, and drug defined in the modules 708, 710, 712 above.In a second possible embodiment, the administrative software includes anumber of default settings or pump parameter modifications used whenspecific therapies, qualifiers, or drugs are selected. The user selectsa therapy, qualifier, and drug to associate with a pump protocol. Theadministrative software 700 can include instructions dictating thatselection of one or more of the therapies, qualifiers, and drugs sets ormodifies one or more of the patient specific pump parameters ornon-patient specific pump parameters. In one example of this secondembodiment, a user setting a drug having a maximum safe consumption ratewill trigger the administrative software 700 to preset an acceptablerange of programmable delivery rates and a default delivery rate in theprotocol, as well as alarms or other non-patient specific pumpparameters. In another possible example of this second embodiment, auser setting a qualifier indicating a low age, such as “Children 5-10years old”, will set or adjust the protocol to result in a low deliveryrate and demand dose being incorporated into the protocol, and will setone or more parameters related to alarms for use in a medical infusionpump.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a library import screen 800 is shown. Thelibrary import screen corresponds to the load library module 704, and isoptionally used to load a library file containing one or more librariesof pump programs in the administrative software 700 of FIG. 7, above.The library import screen 800 includes a file selection field 802 and apassword field 804. The term field as used herein can include thewindow, or screen, generally, and can also include menus, selectablelists, or buttons within the window.

The file selection field 802 displays one or more library files that areavailable to be selected. The file selection field 802 allows a user toselect one or more of the protocol library files, in conjunction withselection control buttons 806 a, 806 b. The password field 804 controlsaccess to the selected library file by requiring a user to input acorrect password associated with the selected file, or library withinthe file.

A location field 808 presents the directory path of the selected libraryfile and a browse button 810 provides browsing capabilities to allow auser to find a library file other than those displayed in the libraryselection field 802.

In use, the library import screen 800 initially presents a listing oflibrary files in the file selection field 802 available to theadministrative software. The user selects one of the displayed libraryfiles, or presses the browse button 810 to search for additional libraryfiles. The user selects a library file by clicking on the displayedlibrary file, or by other selection method. The directory path of theselected library file appears in the location field 808, and the userthen enters a password in the password field 804 corresponding to theselected library file. The user confirms the choice using the selectioncontrol buttons 806 a, 806 b. The administrative software confirms thatthe user-entered password is correct, and accesses the library file.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a user interface 900 for the administrativesoftware 700 of FIG. 7 is shown. The user interface 900 includesfeatures associated with the modules incorporated in the administrativesoftware 700, and corresponds to the screen displayed following thestart operation 702 of FIG. 7. The user interface 900 includes a numberof features providing global control and status information to a user.

Global control features included in the user interface 900 relate tolibrary and pump access settings. A library field 902 provides a listingof libraries currently loaded by the software. The library field 902contains the libraries which have been loaded using the load librarymodule 704 of FIG. 7. A login button 904 generates a login screen thatchecks whether a user has the right to modify pump parameters andprotocols.

The user interface 900 can display information related to the status ofthe network of medical infusion pumps. A database identification field906 identifies the database 504 currently connected to the administratorcomputer 502, as shown in FIG. 5. In additional exemplary embodiments,additional information can be displayed, such as the location of theserver and/or medical infusion pumps connected to the infusion pumpnetwork or a serial number or other identification number of the pumpsor libraries.

The user interface 900 also includes a location tab 920, a therapy tab940, and a protocol tab 960. Referring back to FIG. 5, the location tab920 corresponds to the location module 708, the therapy tab 940corresponds to the therapy module 710, and the protocol tab 960corresponds to the protocol module 712. By clicking on or otherwiseselecting a tab, a user transfers operation to the module correspondingto that tab.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, the user interface 900 is shown, andlocation tab 920, therapy tab 940, and protocol tab 960 are described ingreater detail. FIG. 10 shows the user interface 900 after selection ofthe location tab 920, or after initial execution of the login module 706and optional load library module 704.

A region of the location tab 920 supersedes the therapy tab 940 andprotocol tab 960. Within the region exposed by the location tab 920, alibrary selected in the library field 902 populates a librarydescription field 1002 and a user accounts field 1004. The librarydescription field 1002 describes the library that is currently loaded,and includes attributes of the location in which the library is used, orother information about the library. The location attributes can includethe name of the hospital or the department in the hospital associatedwith the library. The additional information can include informationrelated to the users of the library, the contents of the library, orother information. The library description field 1002 corresponds to thelocation attributes module 714 of FIG. 7. The user accounts field 1004displays a listing of user accounts associated with the library. Each ofthe user accounts generally correspond to a user, but can alsocorrespond to a location of a computing system 104 or medical infusionpump 102. The user accounts define the persons allowed to access andmodify pump protocols, and/or parameters associated with the library atthe point of care, such as a medical infusion pump 102 or computingsystem 104 executing user software. The user accounts field 1004 enablesa user to add, edit, or delete users from the listing using the buttons1006 a-1006 c provided. The user accounts field corresponds to the userrights module 716 of FIG. 7.

In a possible embodiment, a log report field 1008 can optionally directthe server 206 to generate a record for various events occurring in thedatabase 504. For example, a log report can be created each time aprotocol is sent to a medical infusion pump 102. Alternately, a logreport is created each time a library is sent to a medical infusion pump102. In further embodiments, a log report is created each time a libraryis edited or accessed. In still further embodiments, globally uniqueidentifiers are entered into the log report related to instances wherecomputing systems 104 and/or infusion pumps 102 access a library in thedatabase 504. In the embodiment shown, the log report field 1008 is aselectable check box, but can be implemented as any other type ofselectable field.

A password field 1010 sets a password for the currently selected libraryfile. The password protects access to the library from the perspectiveof user software residing on either a computing system 104 or aninfusion pump 102 such that only users with knowledge of the passwordassociated with the library file can load the library using the loadlibrary module 704 of FIG. 7 and user interface 800.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the user interface 900 is shown with thetherapy tab 940 selected. A region of the therapy tab 940 supersedes thelocation tab 920 and the protocol tab 960. The therapy tab 940corresponds to the therapies module 710, which defines therapies,qualifiers, and drugs used by medical infusion pumps associated with theadministrative software 700 of FIG. 7. The therapy tab 940 includes atherapy definition field 1102, a qualifier definition field 1104, and adrug definition field 1106.

The therapy definition field 1102 corresponds to the therapy definitionmodule 718 of FIG. 7, and includes a therapy listing 1108, a therapynotes field 1110, and control buttons 1112 a-1112 c. The therapy listing1108 displays the therapies currently defined in the library displayedin the library listing 802. Two example therapies, “Patient ControlledAnalgesia” and “Epidural”, are shown in the therapy listing 1108, andare associated with a library named “NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit”. Thetherapy notes field 1110 contains administrative user-defined notesrelated to the therapy selected in the therapy listing 1108. The notesrelate to a therapy, and include information related to administrationof the therapy, such as messages related to dosage, bolus amount, oradministration. The therapy notes field 1110 presents administrativeuser-created notes to convey therapy-specific information to caregiversusing or programming the pump. Control buttons 1112 a-1112 c allow auser to add, edit, and delete therapies from the therapy listing 1108and therapy notes field 1110.

The qualifier definition field 1104 corresponds to the qualifierdefinition module 720 of FIG. 7, and includes a qualifier listing 1114,a qualifier notes field 1116, and control buttons 1118 a-1118 c. Thequalifier definition field 1104 lists the qualifiers associated with thetherapy selected from the list shown in the therapy listing 1108. Forexample, an administrative user might add a “Children 5-10 yrs” entry tothe qualifier listing 1114. Each therapy relates to one or morequalifiers, such as a general qualifier, a weight based qualifier, or anage based qualifier. The qualifier notes field 1116 contains notesdescribing the difference in application of the therapy based on thequalifier selected. In the case of the “Children 5-10 years” qualifier,the qualifier notes field 1116 can indicate a lower than normal dosageto be administered. Notes associated with the qualifier display in thequalifier notes field 1116 only when the qualifier is selected.

The drug definition field 1106 corresponds to the drug definition module722 of FIG. 7, and includes a drug listing 1120 and control buttons 1122a-1122 d. The drug listing 1120 includes information related to thetherapeutic fluid used in the medical infusion pump. This informationcan include the drug name, identification code, units, concentration,and usage. The control buttons 1122 a-1122 c allow a user to add, edit,or delete drugs in the drug listing 1120. A bar code control button 1122d generates a bar code screen including information related to a drug.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the user interface 900 is shown with protocoltab 960 selected. The protocol tab 960 supersedes the location tab 920and the therapy tab 940. The protocol tab 960 corresponds to theprotocol module 712 of FIG. 7, and associates therapies, qualifiers, anddrugs to allow a user to define protocols by setting pump parameters forinclusion within pump programs. The protocol tab 960 includes a protocolfield 1202 and control buttons 1204 a-1204 e. The protocol field 1202lists the combinations of therapies, qualifiers, and drugs for which aprotocol is defined. The protocol field 1202 also lists a pump type 1203for which each protocol is defined. By specifying a pump type for whicheach protocol is defined, it is possible to enable pump-specificprotocol programming, while still using the administrative software 700and user software, described below, for all pump types configurableusing the protocol-based programming scheme described herein.

The control buttons 1204 a-1204 e operate to add, edit, view, and/ordelete the protocol for the combinations of therapies, qualifiers, anddrugs. The control buttons 1204 a-1204 d allow a user to set pumpparameters so as to define the protocol. Control button 1204 e generatesa prescription form screen representing the protocol for the selectedtherapy, qualifier, and drug.

FIG. 13 shows a bar code screen 1300 displaying a bar code for a drugdefined in the administrative software 700 of FIG. 7. A drugidentification code is associated with each drug in the drug listing1120 of FIG. 11. A drug is selected from among those in the drug listing1120 of FIG. 11, and the bar code screen 1300 displays upon clicking onthe control button 1122 d.

The bar code screen 1300 includes a print preview field 1302, a printerdrop down menu 1304, a label information menu 1306, a copies drop downmenu 1308, and control buttons 1310 a-1310 c. The print preview field1302 displays a bar code associated with the selected drug. The printerdrop down menu 1304 lists available printers configured to print the barcode. The label information drop down menu 1306 defines the labelconfiguration to which the bar code is directed. The label configurationincludes, for example, the size and layout of the label paper. Thecopies drop down menu 1308 dictates the number of copies of the bar codethat are printed. Control buttons 1310 a-1310 c provide printing,cancellation, and help procedures to a user.

In use, the bar code corresponds to a drug identification codeassociated with the drug. In a possible embodiment, a pharmacist canprint the barcode associated with the drug using the administrativesoftware 700 via the bar code screen 1300 and affix the printed bar codelabel to the drug container. The labels indicate the drug and dosagebeing delivered by the pump. This provides an easily accessible andvisually prominent indication of the drug being delivered by a medicalinfusion pump.

A caregiver connecting a drug to a medical infusion pump 102 will scanthe bar code on the drug container, which will correspond to the drugidentification code associated with the drug in the administrativesoftware 700. This ensures that the caregiver affixes the drug to thepump which corresponds to the protocol selected using administrativesoftware 700.

FIG. 14 shows a prescription form screen 1400 displaying prescriptioninformation related to a specific therapy, qualifier, and drug. Theprescription form screen displays upon selection of control button 1204e on protocol tab 960. The prescription form screen 1400 corresponds tothe currently selected protocol, and therefore incorporates informationspecific to the selected protocol. Prescription information includes,for example, directions for application of the drug according to thedefined protocol, and parameters such as drug delivery rates or bolusamounts. The prescription form also includes usage notes describingoperation or application of the selected therapy, qualifier, and drug.

A doctor using the prescription form dictates the protocol used in thepump by using a prescription form analogous to the prescription formscreen. The prescription form 1400 generated by the administrativesoftware will correspond to the prescription form completed by thedoctor. In the embodiment shown, the prescription form screen 1400 thatis generated includes information specific to the drug and therapyadministered, which may be notes related to administration of the drugand therapy as dictated by the doctor. For example, the prescriptionform will include drug information, such as the name, type,concentration, and notes regarding the drug, and will also includeinformation related to patient specific pump parameters associated witha selected therapy, qualifier, and drug selected from a library.

Referring now to FIG. 15-17, a protocol definition user interface 1500defines the relationships between the therapies, qualifiers, and drugsadded to the library by the therapy module 710 and using the therapy tab960. A user defines a protocol by setting an index by sequentiallyselecting a therapy, a qualifier, and a drug, and then by associatingpump parameters with that index. In setting the index using the userinterface 1500, a therapy drop down menu 1502 connects to a therapynotes field 1504, a qualifier drop down menu 1506 connects to aqualifier notes field 1508, and a drug drop down menu 1510 connects to adrug notes field 1512.

FIG. 15 shows the initial state of the protocol definition userinterface 1500. A list of therapies appears in the therapy drop downmenu 1502, while the remaining menus 1506, 1510 and fields 1504, 1508,1512 remain blank.

FIG. 16 shows the state of the protocol definition user interface 1500after a therapy is selected in the therapy drop down menu 1502. Notesrelated to the selected therapy appear in the therapy notes field 1504,and a list of qualifiers associated with the selected therapy appears inthe qualifier drop down menu 1506. The notes correspond to the therapynotes entered in the therapy notes field 1110. The list of qualifierscorresponds to the qualifiers associated to the therapy by listing inthe qualifier listing 1114. For example, two qualifiers, “Adults &Children over 5 yrs” and “Children 3-5 yrs” can be associated with the“Patient Controlled Analgesia” therapy. When that therapy is selected inthe therapy drop down menu 1502, the two associated qualifiers populatethe qualifier drop down menu 1506.

FIG. 17 shows the state of the protocol definition interface 1500 aftera qualifier is selected in the qualifier drop down menu 1506. Notesrelated to the qualifier appear in the qualifier notes field 1508, and alist of drugs available within the library or database appears in thedrug drop down menu 1510. The notes correspond to changes in the therapydue to the qualifier selected. Continuing the example from FIG. 14, the“Adults & Children over 5 yrs” qualifier is selected. Notes related tocustomization of the “Patient Controlled Analgesia” therapy based on theselected qualifier are displayed in the qualifier notes field 1508.Furthermore, a list of four drugs/drug concentrations appear in the drugdrop down menu 1510, which are the drugs defined and available withinthe library or database.

Analogously, upon selection of a drug from the drug drop down menu 1510,drug notes (not shown) appear in the drug notes field 1512.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-24, a parameter user interface 1800 providesadditional tabbed screens allowing a user to define pump parameters. Thepump parameters complete the protocol definition associated with thetherapy, qualifier, and drug combination selected in FIGS. 15-17. Asdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 7, selection of the index defined bya therapy, qualifier, and drug using the protocol definition interface1500 may trigger the administrative software 700 to set or modify one ormore of the pump parameters. Alternately, none of the pump parametersare set during the definition and selection of the index formed by thetherapy, qualifier, and drug using the protocol definition interface1500. In such an embodiment, the parameter user interface 1800 is usedto define the pump parameters that are programmable into a medicalinfusion pump.

The parameter user interface 1800 includes a status region 1802, aprotocol activation field 1804, and control buttons 1806 a-1806 c. Thestatus region 1802 displays the therapy, qualifier, and drug associatedwith the assignable pump parameters. The protocol activation field 1804publishes the protocol within the library such that the protocol isvisible to user software accessing the library when it resides withinthe database 504 of FIG. 5. The protocol activation field 1804 allows auser of the administrative software 700 to control when protocols becomeavailable for use by user software. In some circumstances, it can beadvantageous to prevent user software from accessing data, particularlywhile that data is being edited in the administrative software 700. Oneexample of user software used to access pump protocols is illustratedbelow in conjunction with FIGS. 26-41. The control buttons 1806 a-1806 cprovide save, cancel, and help options to a user of the administrativesoftware.

The parameter user interface 1800 further includes a number of tabs,including a drug delivery tab 1810, a secondary drug delivery tab 1820,an alarm tab 1830, a security tab 1840, a display/sound tab 1850, and areport tab 1860. Parameters set within each of the tabs are discussed inFIGS. 18-24.

FIG. 18 shows the parameter user interface 1800 with the drug deliverytab 1810 selected. The drug delivery tab 1810 allows a user to set drugdelivery rate parameters, and includes a general settings region 1812and a patient specific parameters region 1814.

The general settings region 1812 includes verification settings 1816 andweight based settings 1818. The verification settings 1816 includes drugverification and caregiver verification settings. Specifically, theverification settings require that a caregiver verifies that the correctdrug is provided to the medical infusion pump. The verification settingsalso require a second caregiver to verify the settings of the medicalinfusion pump. The weight based settings 1818 set a weight basedprotocol at a programmable, variable weight limit. By weight basedprotocol, it is intended that dosage delivery rates, boluses,thresholds, and other delivery parameters change from a “dosage perhour” basis to a “dosage per weight factor” rate, where the weightfactor can be on a per unit measure weight basis for the user of themedical infusion pump 102 (i.e. “per kilogram” or other), or based onthe user's body surface area, a weight based therapy, or other options.

The patient specific parameters region 1814 includes a continuous rateregion 1822, a demand dose region 1824, and a demand dose lockout region1826. Continuous rate refers to the constant drug delivery rate of themedical infusion pump, also referred to as the basal rate. Demand doserefers to an added drug delivery bolus amount delivered by the pump upona demand by a patient. Demand dose lockout refers to the time intervalafter a demand dose is delivered, during which another demand dose willnot be delivered by the pump.

The continuous rate region 1822 includes a meter, shown as a slider bar1828 and an indicator 1829. The meter generally has two or morelocations, each corresponding to a parameter value that can beprogrammed in the medical infusion pump. Generally, the positionalrelationship of the meter indicates the setting of the meter. In apossible embodiment of the slider bar 1828 shown, the indicator 1829 ismovable relative to the slider bar 1828 to set a default value, or“initial value” continuous drug delivery rate parameter. In a secondpossible embodiment, the default value is set using an initial valuegauge 1832.

The continuous rate region also includes hard limit gauges 1834, softlimit gauges 1836, and user interface options 1838 a-1838 c. The initialvalue gauge 1832, hard limit gauges 1834, and soft limit gauges 1836include values, which may include numerical ranges. The hard limitgauges 1834 set a hard maximum and hard minimum which form an acceptablepump programming range. The range of acceptable pump activity representsthe absolute maximum and minimum values programmable into the pump byuser software, as described below. This configuration allows for controlof the range of values visible to a user of the medical infusion pump orassociated computing system.

The limits set by the soft limit gauges 1836 represent a manuallyexceedable threshold value. The soft limit can be overridden by a userof a medical infusion pump on a pump-by-pump basis. Pump activityoutside the range defined by soft limits can trigger an alarm orotherwise alert a caregiver that a pump is functioning outside of theusual operational range of the pump. A variety of alarm levels or alertscan be set by the soft limit gauges 1836. For example, the alert can bea flag set in the software. The alert could additionally be an audiblealarm, or a visual indicator displayed on at least a portion of themedical infusion pump. The visual indicator could be a flashingindicator or changed/changing color on the display of the medicalinfusion pump.

In a second possible embodiment, the hard limit gauges set anon-limiting range, and the user software described below can beprogrammed within its full operational range. In such an embodiment,pump activity outside the range set by the hard limit gauges 1834 cantrigger an alarm or otherwise alert a caregiver that a pump isfunctioning outside of the usual operational range of the pump. In thisembodiment, the soft limit gauges 1836 set a narrower range, operationoutside of which can trigger a warning or second alarm indicating pumpactivity outside of an expected range of pump operation. This warning orsecond alarm indicates a pump condition less serious than the alarmtriggered by the hard limits.

The user interface options 1838 a-1838 c enable the user software todisplay and edit the delivery rate, editing of the delivery rate, andrequiring comments by users of a pump who wish to exceed the soft limitswhen setting the drug delivery rate. Selection of the display option1838 a publishes the pump parameter so that the value is visible to auser of the pump or computing system.

The demand dose region 1824 includes a slider bar 1842 and an indicator1843. The slider bar and indicator operate in a similar manner to theslider bar 1828 and indicator 1829 in the continuous rate region 1822,but control demand dose settings. Likewise, the demand dose region 1824includes an initial value gauge 1844, as well as hard limit gauges 1846and soft limit gauges 1848 setting visible thresholds and triggeringalarms as in the continuous rate region 1822. Demand dose options 1852a-1852 c provide analogous display, editing, and comment options to theuser interface options 1838 a-1838 c.

The demand dose lockout region 1826 includes a slider bar 1854 and anindicator 1855, and also includes an initial value gauge 1856, hardlimit gauges 1858, and soft limit gauges 1862. Each of these featuresfunctions analogously to those discussed above in conjunction with thecontinuous rate region 1822. The demand dose lockout region alsoincludes lockout options 1864 a-1864 c analogous to the user interfaceoptions 1838 a-1838 c.

FIG. 19 shows the parameter user interface 1800 with the drug deliverytab 1810 modified to provide a weight based drug delivery protocol. Themodification of the user interface 1800 occurs in the drug delivery tab1810 upon user selection of the weight based settings 1818 discussed inFIG. 18. The continuous rate region 1822 and demand dose region 1824 aremodified to reflect dosage rates on a “per kilogram” or other weightmeasure basis.

FIG. 20 shows the parameter user interface 1800 with the secondary drugdelivery tab 1820 selected. The secondary drug delivery tab 1820provides additional medical infusion pump programming options forassigning pump parameters in a specific protocol. The secondary drugdelivery tab 1820 includes a dosing limit region 2002, a patientspecific parameter region 2004, a titration region 2006, a maximumdelivery rate gauge 2008, and a maximum clinician bolus gauge 2010.

The dosing limit region 2002 displays limits for total drug deliverywithin a specified amount of time. The dosing limit region 2002 includesoptions for setting a limit on doses per hour, a timed medicationdelivery limit, or other limits. A user selects one of the options forsetting the dosage limit.

The patient specific parameter region 2004 sets parameters related tothe dosage limits coordinated to the options in the dosing limit region2002. The patient specific parameter region 1804 includes a timeddelivery limit region 2012, an hourly demand doses region 2014, and areservoir region 2016.

The timed delivery limit region 2012 sets the delivery limit on a perassigned time period when the option for setting a limit on doses perhour is selected in the dosing limit region 2002. The timed deliverylimit region 2012 includes a meter, shown as a slider bar 2018 andindicator 2019. The timed delivery limit region 2012 also includes aninitial value gauge 2020, hard limit gauges 2022, soft limit gauges2024, and control options 2026 a-2026 c. Operation of the slider bar2018, indicator 2019, gauges 2020-2024, and control options 2026 a-2026c is analogous to operation of the slider bar features as discussed inconjunction with FIG. 18, above.

The hourly demand doses region 2014 sets the delivery limit on a perhour basis when the doses per hour limit is selected in the dosing limitregion 2002. The maximum demand doses region 2014 includes a slider bar2028, indicator 2029, gauges 2030-2034, and control options 2036 a-2036c, operation of which is likewise analogous to operation of the sliderbar features discussed in FIG. 18.

The timed delivery limit region 2012 and hourly demand doses region 2014are operated in the alternative, in that only one of the two regions isactive at one time. The region that is active depends upon the optionselected in the dosing limit region 2002. Selection of a timed deliverylimit in the dosing limit region 2002 activates the timed delivery limitregion 2012 and deactivates the hourly demand doses region 2014.Selection of an hourly delivery limit activates the hourly demand dosesregion 2014 and deactivates the timed delivery limit region 2012.

The reservoir region 2016 sets the initial volume settings and displaysettings for tracking the volume of fluid in the reservoir attached tothe medical infusion pump. The reservoir region 2016 includes a meter,shown as a slider bar 2040 and indicator 2041, operation of which isanalogous to the slider bar and indicator discussed in conjunction withFIG. 18. The reservoir region further includes an initial value gauge2042, a disable option 2044, and control options 2046 a-2046 b. Theinitial value gauge 2042 provides an alternate method for setting theinitial value of the reservoir volume to the slider bar 2040 andindicator 2041. The disable option 2044 disables the reservoir volumemonitor. The control options 2046 a-2046 b provide display and editcapabilities to a user of the pump.

The remaining regions, i.e. the titration region 2006, the maximumdeliver rate gauge 2008, and the maximum clinician bolus gauge 2010, setpump specific settings related to drug delivery limits. The titrationregion 2006 enables or disables titration in the medical infusion pump,and sets an optional titration limit in the pump. The maximum deliveryrate gauge 2008 sets a maximum delivery rate for the infusion pump. Themaximum delivery rate is measured in milliliters per hour, and includesboth the basal delivery rate and bolus delivery. The maximum clinicianbolus gauge 2010 sets the maximum bolus which can be delivered by acaregiver. The maximum clinician bolus may be a larger bolus than thestandard patient-controlled bolus, but must be administered under thesupervision of a caregiver. Other regions can be included in the tab1820 as well.

FIG. 21 shows the parameter user interface 1800 with the alarm tab 1830selected. The alarm tab includes a number of regions used formaintenance and hardware-related alarms, as opposed to the drug deliverythreshold alarms discussed above in conjunction with the slider bars.The alarm tab 1830 allows the user to enable and disable alarms in themedical infusion pump. The alarm tab 1830 includes a reservoir low alarmregion 2102, a reservoir empty alarm region 2104, a pump stop alarm2106, a maintenance alarm 2108, and a hardware alarm 2110. The reservoirlow alarm region 2102 provides an alarm indicator when a drug supplyvolume falls below a threshold level. The threshold level can be astandard level or an administrative user-set volume level. The reservoirempty alarm region 2104 sets a single occurrence or repeating alarm whena drug supply volume falls below a threshold level. The pump stop alarm2106 sets an alarm which occurs when the medical infusion pump stopsoperating. The maintenance alarm 2108 enables a maintenance alarm, whichalerts a user when maintenance is needed. The hardware alarm 2110provides options for detection of optional components used with theinfusion pump. For example, the hardware alarm 2110 can trigger upondetection of an air detector or other component. The pump hardwaredetector region 2110 can provide the option of enabling an alarm sent toa caregiver.

FIG. 22 shows the parameter user interface 1800 with the security tab1840 selected. The security tab 1840 includes options related tosecurity of the medical infusion pumps. The security tab 1840 includes asecurity region 2202 and an epidural region 2204. The security region2202 presents a number of security options for controlling access toeach medical infusion pump. Security options can include an automaticlock, a lock code, clinician code, and an initial lock level. Theepidural region 2204 selectably places the pump into a mode configuredfor epidural therapy.

FIG. 23 shows the parameter user interface 1800 with the display/soundtab 1850 selected. The display/sound tab 1850 includes options relatedto the display and sound settings for each medical infusion pump. Thedisplay/sound tab 1850 includes an auto-review option 2302, a maindisplay region 2304, a units option 2306, a date format option 2308, asend protocol region 2310, and a sound region 2312. The auto-reviewoption 2302 enables a power-up display of options in the medicalinfusion pump. The main display region 2304 presents a number ofprogrammable fields that will, by default, be displayed on the medicalinfusion pump. For example, the main display region 2304 includesprogrammable text display entry, power source information, and drugdelivery rate. Other display options related to properties of themedical infusion pump are available as well. The units option 2306selectably assigns a units location for display on the medical infusionpump. The date format option 2308 assigns date formats for displaying onthe medical infusion pump. The send protocol region 2310 sets one ormore patient markers or date/time stamps in the infusion pump networkupon distribution of programming instructions to the medical infusionpump. The sound region 2312 enables sound in the medical infusion pump,such as beeping sounds when one or more keys/key sequences aredepressed.

FIG. 24 shows the parameter user interface 1800 with the report tab 1860selected. The report tab 1860 presents options for displaying reports bya medical infusion pump related to events occurring in the pump. Thereport tab 1860 includes a new patient marker region 2402 and a customreport region 2404. The new patient marker region 2402 includes a listof options to perform related to report generation upon association of amedical infusion pump with a new patient. For example, the new patientmarker region 2402 includes a number of report-clearing options andpower-on options to be performed when a medical infusion pump isassigned to a new patient. The custom report region 2404 provides anumber of selectable options for display in a custom report regardingevents tracked in the medical infusion pump network. The custom reportregion 2404 provides all of the options tracked in the infusion pumpnetwork 500, which can be stored in the log files 516. A user selectsone or more of the options to generate a report. For example, the customreport region 2404 can include dose counters, doses per hour, pain scaleinformation, drug delivery information, an event log, and a patientmarker. The report generated by the custom report region 2404 optionsdisplays on the screen of the medical infusion pump 102 or computingsystem, 104. Both the new patient marker region 2402 and the customreport region 2404 can include additional options as well.

Referring now to FIG. 25, a library export screen 2500 is optionallyused to save the pump parameters and protocols for exporting from thedatabase 504 of FIG. 5. One or more libraries are exported using thelibrary export screen 2500, including all of the pump protocols, andcontaining all of the defined therapies, qualifiers, drugs, andcombinations thereof. The library export screen 2500 corresponds to theexport library module 724 of FIG. 7, and provides file extraction, inthat one or more protocol libraries built using the administrativesoftware 700 are exported to a data file or database. The export libraryscreen 2500 includes a library field 2502 and an export option region2504. The library field 2502 displays a number of libraries available tothe system that can be exported to a portable file. The export optionregion 2504 provides export options to the administrative user seekingto export the library data to a file. For example, export options caninclude creating a read-only file, or a read-write template for use inanother instantiation of the software system disclosed herein. Theread-only file might be selected in the case that the library is to beloaded onto a medical infusion pump that is disconnected from thedatabase 504 of FIG. 5. The read-write file might be selected if thelibrary is to be transferred to a separate infusion pump network 500altogether, in which administrative software on that subsequent infusionpump network may be used to subsequently edit that library.Additionally, the export option region 2504 includes an assignablepassword to add security to the library file exported such that a userattempting to access the protocols contained in the library file mustknow and enter the correct password.

The above description and figures corresponding to the administrativesoftware 700 provides a therapy-centric programming schema for a medicalinfusion pump. For example, a certain drug used in conjunction with amedical infusion pump may be appropriate for use with a specific therapyfor an adult, but may not be appropriate for the same therapy for achild. Certain drugs may only be appropriate in certain therapies, andunder certain qualifying conditions. Pump parameters are initially setaccording to the protocols defined in the administrative software 700,but are customizable on a pump-by-pump basis using user softwareassociated with a specific pump and/or patient.

FIG. 26 illustrates exemplary architecture of user software 2600 foraccessing a pump application program and programming a medical infusionpump. The software 2600 can operate within the pump 102, computingsystem 104, or a combination thereof. The user software 2600 allows auser, for example a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other caregiver, toselect and customize pump application protocols, and parameters forexecution in and control of a medical infusion pump 102. Depending uponthe pump configuration, the user may select a protocol or a library forloading into a medical infusion pump. Additional data structures couldbe loaded into the medical infusion pump as well. Although the usersoftware 2600 is discussed in conjunction with the administrativesoftware 700 previously described in FIGS. 7-25, it is understood thatthe user software systems described herein are operable in conjunctionwith additional hardware/software embodiments.

The medical infusion pumps as described store pump data in memory, suchas the memory shown above in FIG. 3. The pump data can include pumpparameters, parameter values, programs, and other functional and datasystems configured to operate the medical infusion pump. As referred toherein, a set of pump parameters can include the entire memory contentsof the pump, or can include a subset of the memory contents, such asselected data values, that can be altered to change operation of thepump.

The user software 2600 is instantiated by a start module 2602. The startmodule 2602 corresponds to initial execution of the user software 2600by clicking on an icon on the computer or by some other mechanism forexecuting software. Upon execution of the start module 2602, the usersoftware 2600 connects to a library on a server 206 containing one ormore pump protocols.

Following the start module 2602, operational flow optionally proceeds toa library import module 2604. The library import module 2606 providesthe ability to import one or more libraries into the software 2600. Thisfeature can be used by a computing system 104 or medical infusion pump102 that is not connected to the same medical infusion pump network 500as the database storing the library 504. If the computing system 104 ormedical infusion pump 102 is connected to the medical infusion pumpnetwork 500, each component is by default connected to the server 206and database 504.

The libraries available to be imported include pump protocols andparameters, and may have been created using the administrative softwareof FIGS. 7-25. The collection of pump protocols can be accessed from theserver 206 or in one or more individual computing systems 102. Thelibrary import module 2604 allows the user to select one or more pumpapplication programs for downloading to a medical infusion pump 102.

Once connected to the desired library either by default or via thelibrary import module 2604, operational flow proceeds to a login module2606. The login module 2606 regulates user rights in the software 2600by controlling access to the libraries 508 in the database 504 of FIG.5. User rights define access levels in the software for users such asdoctors, nurses, other caregivers, or patients. A user will have a setaccess level allowing the user to view or edit pump applicationprotocols and parameters within the user software 2600. Access levelsare set using the user rights module 716 of the administrative software700, described above in conjunction with FIG. 7. Access levels can beset by a user of the administrative software 700 according to a varietyof criteria, such as the type of caregiver (e.g., physician, nurse, orpharmacist).

Different access levels also can provide different rights with respectto pump operational parameters. For example, one access level might givea user a right to edit patient specific pump parameters. One accesslevel might permit a user the right to only view and download thepatient specific pump operational parameters. Different embodiments caninclude the ability to provide an access level for a user anycombination of rights to edit, view, and/or download pump operationalparameters, protocols, or libraries.

Once the user is logged in, the user selectively executes threedifferent modules, a protocol selection module 2608, a task module 2610,and a report module 2612.

The protocol selection module 2608 selects a protocol for use with amedical infusion pump from the protocols loaded in the user software2600. The protocol selection module 2608 guides the user throughselection of a therapy, qualifier, and drug combination defined to be aprotocol by the administrative software. The protocol selection module2608 includes a therapy selection module 2614, a qualifier selectionmodule 2616, and a drug selection module 2618 for this purpose. Thetherapy selection module 2416 selects a therapy to be administered bythe drug infusion pump 102. The therapy is one of the therapies includedin the library selected in the library import module 2606. The qualifierselection module 2616 selects a qualifier from those associated with thetherapy in the library. The drug selection module 2618 selects a drugassociated with the therapy and drug. The protocol selection module 2608further allows customization of the protocol by allowing a user tomodify pump parameters, such as the drug delivery rate, the demand dose,the demand dose lockout, drug delivery limits, and reservoir volume.

The task module 2610 guides a user through maintenance and monitoringtasks that are required for each medical infusion pump 102. Thesemaintenance and monitoring tasks can include pump settings comparisonand testing, as well as changing the reservoir holding the drugdelivered by the medical infusion pump 102. The task module 2610includes a pump settings module 2620, a comparison module 2622, and areservoir module 2624. The pump settings module 2620 compares the localpump settings to a standing order set for the pump, for example by acaregiver who programmed or customized the medical infusion pump. Duringoperation of the pump settings module 2620, the user software 2600receives a GUID specific to a protocol and generated by the server 206,and stores the GUID on the pump or computing system. The GUID generatedby the server and stored on the pump or computing system is madeavailable to the server when the pump or computing system accesses thelibrary to look up and verify the future access of the correct protocoland/or library. This ensures that the pump settings are compared to thecorrect protocol stored on the server. The comparison module 2622compares the local pump settings to a protocol, such as the protocolsdefined using the administrative software 700. The reservoir module 2624determines if a drug reservoir is nearly empty and guides a patient orcaregiver through the drug cartridge changing process occasionallyrequired during use of a medical infusion pump.

The report module 2612 generates a report from preexisting loggedinformation for a selected medical infusion pump 102. The report moduleincludes a location module 2626 and a type module 2628. The locationmodule 2626 requests the location of the pump from which a report isgenerated, such as a specific pump or a previously saved report storedon the pump or computing system. The type module 2628 presents a numberof types of reports which can be generated from the logged information,such as a drug delivery report or event log, and can display the reportresponsive to a user request.

Operation of the software terminates at an end module 2630. The endmodule 2630 corresponds to termination of the administrative software2600 by clicking on a close window button on the computer or by someother mechanism for terminating execution of software.

FIG. 27 shows a library import screen 2700 used to optionally load alibrary of pump protocols into the user software 2600. The libraryimport screen 2700 corresponds to the login module 2604, and presents alocation field 2702 and a library field 2704 used to browse to andselect a library from a library database or file. An optional passwordfield 2706 accepts user input to allow the user to enter a password foraccessing a password protected library file, such as one created usingthe export library screen shown in FIG. 25. Control buttons 2708 a-2708b provide confirmation and cancellation options to the user, allowingthe user to complete the library access process.

FIGS. 28-32 illustrate an exemplary process and user interface throughwhich the protocol selection module 2608 leads a user to select aprotocol for use with a medical infusion pump. The methods, systems anduser interfaces described in conjunction with FIGS. 28-32 can beperformed either on a computing system, such as a computing system 104associated with a medical infusion pump 102, or on a medical fusion pump102 configured to accept a library of pump protocols directly. Medicalinfusion pumps 102 accepting a single pump protocol use a correspondingcomputing system 104.

Referring to FIG. 28, operation of the protocol selection module 2608 isinstantiated by a start module 2802. The start module 2802 correspondsto initial execution of the user software 2600, or initial selection ofthe protocol selection module 2608 by clicking on an icon or tab on thecomputer or by some other mechanism for executing software.

Following the start module 2802, operational flow proceeds to a loadprotocols module 2804. The load protocols module 2804 populates the usersoftware 2600 with the protocols from the loaded library. For example,the load protocols module 2804 can populate a listing of protocols forselection using the user software 2600.

Following the load protocols module 2804, operational flow proceeds to aselect protocol module 2806. The select protocol module 2806 selects aprotocol from among the protocols loaded into the user software 2600 byguiding a user through selection of a therapy, qualifier, and drugdefining one of the protocols loaded in the software 2600. The selectprotocol module 2806 corresponds to the therapy selection module 2614,qualifier selection module 2616, and drug selection module 2618 shown inFIG. 26.

Following the select protocol module 2806, operational flow proceeds toa settings module 2808. The settings module 2808 provides editing andcustomization of the pump parameters assigned to a medical infusion pumpas dictated by the protocol selected by the user. The parametersinclude, for example, the drug delivery rate, demand dose rate, ordemand dose lockout.

Following the settings module 2808, operational flow proceeds to anoptional pump programming module 2810. The pump programming module 2810programs a medical infusion pump with the settings both as defined bythe protocol and selected by the select protocol module 2806, and ascustomized by the settings module 2808. The pump programming module 2810executes if the user software 2600 resides on a computing system 104connected to a medical infusion pump 102. The pump programming modulemay not execute if the software 2600 resides on the medical infusionpump 102 itself, because the protocols are already loaded into the pumpalongside the library accessed by the user software 2600.

After the pump programming module 2810 completes, operation of theprotocol selection module 2608 terminates at an end module 2812. The endmodule 2812 corresponds to successful programming of the medicalinfusion pump.

FIGS. 29-32 illustrate a user interface 2900 used to guide a caregiverthrough the pump programming process. The user interface 2900 operateson a computing system associated to a medical infusion pump. The userinterface 2900 includes a login button 2902, a connection statusindicator 2904, a library indicator 2906, and a protocol tab 2920, atasks tab 2940, and a reports tab 2960.

The login button 2902, when selected, generates a login screen thatchecks whether a user has the right to access pump programs, protocols,or parameters. The connection status indicator 2904 displays theconnection status of the user software. Connection status can include aconnection to a medical infusion pump or connection to a networkedserver. The library indicator 2906 displays the current library loadedusing the library import screen 2700 of FIG. 27.

Referring now to FIG. 29, the user interface 2900 is shown with theprotocol tab 2920 selected. FIG. 29 corresponds to an initial state ofthe protocol selection module 2608 following the load protocols module2804 of FIG. 28. The protocol tab 2920 guides a user through the processof selecting a protocol, customizing one or more parameters in theprotocol, and programming a medical infusion pump with the customizedpump program. The protocol tab includes a therapy selection field 2908,a therapy notes field 2910, a qualifier selection field 2912, aqualifier notes field 2914, a drug selection field, 2916, a drug notesfield 2918, and a continue button 2922.

The therapy selection field 2908 lists the therapies included in thecurrently loaded library. For example, the two therapies shown are“Epidural” and “Patient Controlled Analgesia”. The therapy notes fielddisplays the notes associated with the selected therapy. In the initialstate, the therapy selection field 2908 and therapy notes field 2910 areactive, and the qualifier fields 2912, 2914, drug fields 2916, 2918, andcontinue button 2922 are inactive. No therapy is initially selected inthe therapy listing field 2908, so the therapy notes field 2910 remainsempty.

FIG. 30 shows the user interface 2900 with the protocol tab 2920selected and a therapy selected from the therapy selection field 2908.Notes related to the selected therapy appear in the therapy notes field2910, and the qualifier selection field 2912 and qualifier notes field2914 activate. A listing of qualifiers associated with the selectedtherapy appears in the qualifier selection field 2912. The therapy notesshown recite “Epidural Patient Controlled Analgesia” corresponding tothe selected therapy, but could contain particular information relatedto the therapy, such as warnings, descriptions, or other informationabout application of the therapy. The qualifiers, which appear once thetherapy is selected, are shown to include “Adult and Child over 5” and“Child 5 years and under”. No qualifier is initially selected, so thequalifier notes field 2914 remains empty. The drug selection field 2916,drug notes field 2918, and the continue button 2922 remain inactive.

FIG. 31 shows the user interface 2900 with the protocol tab 2920selected and both a therapy selected from the therapy selection field2908 and a qualifier selected in the qualifier selection field 2912.Notes related to the qualifier appear in the qualifier notes field 2914,and the drug selection field 2916 and drug notes field 2918 are active.For example, “Adult and Child over 5” is shown to be, and the qualifiernotes field 2914 displays specific notes applicable to those patients. Alisting of drugs associated with the therapy and qualifier appears inthe drug selection field 2916. Three exemplary drug menu listingsincluding “Fentanyl 10 mcg/ml”, “HYDRO Morphone 1 mg/ml” and “Morphine 1mg/ml” are shown. No drug is initially selected, so the drug notes field2918 remains empty. The continue button 2922 remains inactive.

FIG. 32 shows the user interface 2900 with the protocol tab 2920selected and a therapy, qualifier, and drug selected in each of therespective selection fields 2908, 2912, and 2916. Once a therapy,qualifier, and drug are selected a specific protocol is designated fromamong the protocols defined in the administrative software 700. Eachnotes field 2910, 2914, and 2918 displays information related to theselected therapy, qualifier, and drug, respectively. The continue button2922 activates, allowing the user to continue with customization of theselected protocol by changing one or more pump parameters related to thetherapy, qualifier, and drug.

FIG. 33 illustrates an exemplary process by which the administrativesoftware 2600 customizes one or more parameters of a selected pumpprotocol, and corresponds to the settings module 2608 of FIG. 26. Thesettings module 2608 allows customization of one or more pump parameterswhile monitoring whether the customized value is within an acceptablysafe dosage or drug delivery range.

The settings module 2608 is instantiated by a start module 3302. Thestart module 3302 corresponds to selection of the confirmation button2922 of FIGS. 29-32.

Following the start module 3302, operational flow proceeds to a displaymodule 3304. The display module 3304 displays the default protocolsettings of the protocol loaded onto a medical infusion pump screen or acomputing system associated with the pump. The display module 3304presents a number of meters to a user related to the drug delivery ratesand other parameters controlled by the pump. The meters provide usercontrols for modifying one or more pump parameters.

In various embodiments, the display module 3304 can be configured todisplay a variety of coloring and image features. In one possibleembodiment, the meters are slider bars that can include graphicalthresholds set by the administrative software. A cautionary color changeof the user interface (i.e. green or gray to yellow or red) canrepresent a warning to the user that the current setting is outside ofthe administratively set thresholds.

In another possible embodiment, the overall background color of the userinterface is color-coded to correspond to hospital coding procedures,and can represent one or more location-specific warning or statusconditions. Additionally, the color coding can be located behind animage displayed on the pump screen, and can be keyed to a location ofthe medical infusion pump, the drug administered, or a warning conditionwithin the pump.

Following the display module 3304, operational flow proceeds to a customsettings module 3306. The custom settings module 3306 receives thecurrent customized pump settings based on user-customization of one ormore pump parameters. The custom settings module 3306 can provide a usercustomization interface for setting pump parameters to values other thanthe initial or default values set in the administrative software 700.

Following the custom settings module 3306, operational flow depends uponthe implementation of the hard limits and soft limits in theadministrative software 700. If the hard limit gauges in FIGS. 18-20provide a warning but do not dictate an absolute maximum/minimum for therange of programmable values within the user software 2600, operationalflow proceeds to a hard limit determination operation 3308. If the hardlimit gauges dictate an absolute maximum/minimum for the range ofprogrammable values within the user software 2600, the hard limit willlikely not be exceeded, so operational flow proceeds directly to thesoft limit determination operation 3312.

The optional hard limit determination operation 3308 determines if thepump settings are outside the “hard limits” set in the administrativesoftware 700. If the pump settings exceed the hard limit (i.e. above themaximum or below the minimum value), operational flow branches “yes” toa hard limit indicator module 3310. If the pump settings do not exceedthe hard limit, operational flow branches “no” to a soft limitdetermination operation 3312.

The optional hard limit indicator module 3310 executes in conjunctionwith the hard limit determination operation 3308, and generates anindicator to a user that the hard limit set in the administrativesoftware is exceeded by the current settings of the medical infusionpump. If the hard limit determination operation 3308 is bypassed orotherwise absent from the user software 2600, the hard limit indicatormodule 3310 can be absent/bypassed as well. The hard limit indicatormodule 3310 creates an alert indicator on the display of the pump orassociated computing system, or sends an alert to the server or othercomputing system to alert a caregiver that an alert condition has beenreached by the pump due to exceeding the hard limit. Operational flowproceeds to the display module 3704 to update the display and to allowadditional user modification of the pump settings.

The soft limit determination operation 3312 determines if the pumpsettings are outside the “soft limits” set in the administrativesoftware 700. If the pump settings exceed the soft limit, operationalflow branches “yes” to a soft limit indicator module 3314. If the pumpsettings do not exceed the soft limit, operational flow branches “no” toreturn to the display module 3304.

The soft limit indicator module 3314 generates an indicator to a userthat the soft limit set in the administrative software is exceeded bythe current parameter settings. The soft limit indicator module 3314creates an alert indicator different from the hard limit indicatormodule 3310 if the hard limit indicator module 3310 exists or executeswithin the software 2600. For example, the soft limit alert indicatorcan be a different color, display a different message, or send adifferent alert to a remote medical care provider.

Following the soft limit indicator module 3314, operational flowproceeds to the display module 3304 to update the display and allowadditional user modifications of the pump settings. Upon termination ofoperation of the medical infusion pump, operational flow terminates atthe end module 3316.

Referring now to FIGS. 34-35, an exemplary user interface 3400 forcustomizing pump parameters is shown. The user interface 3400corresponds to the settings module 2808 of FIG. 28, and operatesgenerally as described in FIG. 33. The user interface 3400 includes astatus indicator 3402, a continuous rate region, 3404, a demand doseregion 3406, a demand dose lockout region 3408, a timed limit region3410, and a reservoir region 3412. The user interface 3400 furtherincludes control buttons 3414 a-3414 c.

The regions 3404-3412 correspond to the patient specific pump parameters512 a of FIG. 5, and can include one or more of continuous rate, demanddose, demand dose lockout, timed limits, reservoir volume, and otherpatient-specific parameters. Only those patient specific pump parametersthat are associated with the selected index of therapy, qualifier, anddrug appear in the user interface 3400, and can be as few as oneparameter and can incorporate as many parameters as are programmablewithin a medical infusion pump.

The user interface 3400 presents a standardized interface to a patientor caregiver using the user software 2600, such as at the point of careof a patient or other location on the infusion pump network. The userinterface 2600 corresponds to any of a number of types of user software2600 and administrative software 700. The user interface 3400 also canbe configured to be used with various types of medical infusion pumps102. Most pumps require programming with both patient specific pumpparameters and non-patient specific pump parameters, but vary as to thedata structure in which this data is passed to the pump. The userinterface 3400 reflects from the user software 2600 the number ofregions to create corresponding to the number of patient specific pumpparameters, which are generic to various types of pumps. Therefore, theuser interface 3400 can be used with any of a number of pumps havingvarious brands, interfaces, data structures, or other variances.

The status indicator 3402 displays the library, therapy, qualifier, anddrug which define the protocol loaded by the user software 2600. In theexemplary user interface, the library is an “ICU” library, the therapyselected is “Patient Controlled Analgesia”, the qualifier is “Adult andChild over 5”, and the drug is “Fentanyl 10 mcg/ml”.

The continuous rate region 3404 defines the continuous, or basal, rateof drug delivery in the specific medical infusion pump. The continuousrate region 3404 includes a numerical reading 3416 and a meter, shown asa slider bar 3418 and an indicator 3419. The meter generally has two ormore locations, each corresponding to a parameter value that can beprogrammed in the medical infusion pump. Generally, the positionalrelationship of the meter indicates the setting of the meter. Thenumerical reading 3416 reflects the current value for the continuousdrug delivery rate.

In the embodiment of the meter shown as the slider bar 3418, theindicator 3419 slides along the slider bar 3418, and the positionalrelationship between the slider bar 3418 and indicator 3419 dictates thecontinuous drug delivery rate. Threshold indicators 3420 determine thesafe limits within which the continuous rate can be set, and canrepresent either the hard limits or the soft limits set for theparameter by the administrative software 700. In the embodiment of theuser software 2600 whose absolute threshold levels are limited by thehard limits set in the administrative software 700, the ends of each bar3418 represent the hard limits and the threshold indicators 3420represent the soft limits for the continuous rate. The thresholds aretested using the method described in FIG. 33.

The demand dose region 3406 customizes the demand dose, or bolus,delivered by the medical infusion pump. The demand dose region includesa numerical reading 3422 and a meter, shown as a slider bar 3424 andindicator 3425. The slider bar 3424 includes threshold indicators 3426displaying either the hard or soft limit defined in the administrativesoftware. The numerical reading 3422, slider bar 3424, indicator 3425,and threshold indicators 3426 operate analogously to those in thecontinuous rate region 3404, but set the bolus level parameter ratherthan the continuous rate parameter.

The demand dose lockout region 3408 customizes the time period after abolus is delivered in which no additional bolus can be provided. Thedemand dose lockout region 3408 includes a numerical reading 3428 and ameter, shown as a slider bar 3430 and indicator 3431. The slider bar3430 includes threshold indicators 3432 displaying either the hard orsoft limit defined in the administrative software. The numerical reading3428, slider bar 3430, indicator 3431, and threshold indicators 3432operate analogously to those in the continuous rate region 3404, but setthe demand dose lockout period parameter rather than the continuous rateparameter.

The timed limit region 3410 customizes the amount of the selected drugdeliverable by a medical infusion pump within a specified timeframe. Thetimed limit region 3410 also includes a numerical reading 3434 and ameter, shown as a slider bar 3436 and indicator 3437. The slider bar3436 includes threshold indicators 3438 displaying either the hard orsoft limit defined in the administrative software. The numerical reading3434, slider bar 3436, indicator 3437, and threshold indicators 3438operate analogously to those in the continuous rate region 3404, but setthe timed drug delivery threshold parameter rather than the continuousrate parameter.

The reservoir region 3412 defines the size of the reservoir used inconjunction with the medical infusion pump. The size of the reservoir isrelevant to computing drug delivery volumes for the purpose of settingalarms and other indicators for replacing or refilling the reservoir.The reservoir region 3412, like the other regions, includes a numericalreading 3440 and a meter, shown as a slider bar 3442 and indicator 3443.The slider bar 3442 includes threshold indicators 3444 displaying eitherthe hard or soft limit defined in the administrative software. Thenumerical reading 3440, slider bar 3442, and indicator 3443 operateanalogously to those in the continuous rate region 3404, but set thereservoir volume parameter rather than the continuous rate parameter. Inthe embodiment shown, no threshold indicators are included in thereservoir region. This is because the reservoir region 3412 is allowedto use the entire operational range of the reservoir, since no hardlimits are set in the reservoir volume region 2016 of FIG. 20 in theadministrative software. However, in additional embodiments, one or morethreshold indicators can be incorporated into the reservoir region totrigger a warning when the drug reservoir associated with the medicalinfusion pump contains less than the volume of drugs set by thethreshold volume.

The meters in each region 3404-3412 may be adjustable in that each ofthe patient specific pump parameters are adjustable using a meter. Theadministrative software 700 enables the adjustment of one or more of themeters by allowing adjustment of those patient specific pump parametersusing the options displayed on the user interface 1800 of FIGS. 18-20.

The control buttons 3414 a-3414 c allow a user to send the currently setparameters to the associated medical infusion pump, cancel the parametercustomization, or receive help in the process.

FIG. 35 shows the user interface 3400 wherein the indicator 3437 in thetimed limit region 3410 resides along the slider bar 3436 at a locationoutside the range defined by the threshold indicators 3438. A coloredregion 3502 appears around the slider bar and indicator, providing avisual warning to the user of the user software 2600 that abnormal orunadvisable pump settings exist. The colored region 3502 can changecolor (i.e. green or gray to yellow or red) indicating that the value isoutside a threshold level.

It is noted that additional screen coloration or textual messages can beused to graphically send messages to a user or programmer of the medicalinfusion pump or associated computing system. For example, a color codesystem can be used to reflect a variety of conditions of the medicalinfusion pump. For example, a color could represent the current codingof the hospital or other health care facility at which the pump may belocated. Additionally, the color code can represent a warning condition,a location at which the pump is used, a drug being administered by thepump, or an alert condition. Of course, the color code could representadditional characteristics of the medical infusion pump as well.

The color code can display on the computing system associated with themedical infusion pump, or can be reflected on a monitor associated tothe medical infusion pump itself. Text messages can be sent from theserver to be displayed on the monitor of the pump or computing system,such as warnings regarding medication, usage tips for the medicalinfusion pump, or other medical advice. Additionally, the color code canbe placed behind images displayed on the pump which can also represent aregion of the hospital, an image of the drug being administered, orother background images. Additionally, the screen coloration describedcan be represented as a flashing screen, a color changing (cross-fadingor otherwise) screen, or various other color patterns.

FIG. 36 shows a pump programming user interface 3600 for guiding a userthrough the process of sending a pump program to a medical infusionpump. The programming screen can display properties of a pump to beprogrammed, and can include the settings 3602 a-3602 e that are to besent to the pump, a protocol indicator field 3604, and a confirmationbutton 3606.

The settings 3602 a-3602 e reflect the customized pump parameters setusing the user interface 3600 of FIGS. 34-35. The customized pumpparameters correspond to the patient specific pump parameters 512 a ofFIG. 5, and can include one or more of continuous rate, demand dose,demand dose lockout, timed limits, reservoir volume, and otherpatient-specific parameters.

The protocol indicator field 3604 displays the current protocolselected, in this case shown as “Patient Controlled Analgesia”, “Adultand Child over 5”, and “Fentanyl 10 mcg/ml”. The confirmation button3606 sends the pump program, including the settings 3602 a-3602 e forthe pump parameters, to the pump.

Once the pump is programmed, the pump program executes according to theprotocol selected in conjunction with the customized parameters.Referring now to FIG. 37, an exemplary software process 3700 fordisplaying medical infusion pump customizations is shown. The processoccurs within the pump 102, computing system 104, or a combinationthereof, and can be part of a pump program sent to a medical infusionpump.

Customizations in protocol programming refer to differences between theactual pump operation and a standing order (i.e. settings programmed byan administrative user). The standing order can be an original pumpparameter or initial value, and the pump operation for comparison can beeither a current pump parameter or simply a non-original pump parameter.

A start module 3702 initiates the process 3700. Operational flowproceeds to a comparison module, shown as a compare pump settings tostanding order module 3704. The pump settings stored on the pump orcomputing system as shown above in FIG. 5 can be compared against astanding order stored on a server as a pump protocol. To ensure that thecorrect standing order is accessed for comparison, a GUID assigned tothe loaded pump settings corresponds to the protocol stored on theserver. A display change bar module 3706 presents an indicator on eitherthe medical infusion pump or associated computing system. In the displaychange bar module, the original pump parameter, or portion of a standingorder, can be juxtaposed against the non-original pump parameter, suchas in a table format. One or both of the original and non-original pumpparameters can be a standard or customized pump parameter. Pumpparameters that are displayed in the display change bar module 3706include drug delivery rate, drug capacity, remaining capacity of themedical infusion pump, bolus levels or occurrences, alarm occurrences,threshold, and/or frequency, drug delivery periods, or other parameters.

In one possible embodiment, a legend can indicate the meaning of thepump parameters being displayed, and a time/date stamp can display thetime at which the original and/or non-original pump parameter wasmeasured. In additional embodiments, differences between the originaland non-original pump parameters can be highlighted when displayed, suchas by using a color change or other indicator.

Operational flow terminates at an end module 3708.

FIG. 38 is an exemplary schematic illustration of a change bar 3800displayed on a medical infusion pump 102. The change bar 3800 as shownis displayed on the screen 406 of the pump described above in FIG. 4.Alternately, the change bar 3800 can be displayed on a computing system104 associated with the medical infusion pump 102.

The change bar 3800 includes a plurality of change bar entries 3802. Thechange bar entries correspond to pump parameters, and in the figureshown the entries 3802 a-3802 b correspond to patient specific pumpparameters. The change bar can display non patient specific pumpparameters as well.

The change bar 3800 can compare any of a number of original andnon-original pump parameters. In one embodiment, the change bar 3800compares the current operation of the pump to the originally programmedoperation of the pump. In another embodiment, the change bar 3800compares the operation of the pump as initially programmed to thesuggested programming of the pump based on the original pump protocol.In a further embodiment, the change bar 3800 compares historicalactivity of the pump to the current pump protocol.

In one embodiment of the change bar 3800, the change bar entries 3802a-3802 b change color when the difference between the original and thenon-original pump parameters exceeds a threshold amount. The thresholdamount can be, for example, the soft limits set in the administrativesoftware 700. In a further embodiment, the text can change color when adifference greater than the threshold is detected. The change bar canincorporate additional graphics and images on the display.

Referring now to FIG. 39, user software 2600 is again described in whichthe user interface 2900 of FIGS. 29-32 is shown with the tasks tab 2940selected. The tasks tab 2940 includes a tasks region 3902 for selectionof one or more task options, of which a comparison is displayed when theuser selects the “continue” option 3904 shown. Tasks include operationsrelated to maintenance of the pump once in operation. The tasks region3902 includes a number of pump comparison options, such as a comparepump settings option 3906, a compare pump settings to protocol option3908, and a change reservoir option 3910. The compare pump settingsoption 3906 compares the pump settings to the original protocol fromwhich the pump parameters were based. The compare pump settings toprotocol option 3908 compares all pump settings for the protocolselected.

The user software 2600 accesses the protocol loaded on the server 206 tocompare the current pump settings to the original or current protocolusing the options 3904, 3906. To accomplish this, it is necessary forthe user software 2600 to clarify to the server 206 which protocol isbeing compared within the database 504 of FIG. 5. The user software2600, in conjunction with the server 206 uses the globally uniqueidentifier (GUID) described above in FIG. 5 to provide the identifierfor corresponding the protocol on the pump 102 to the protocol as storedin the server 206. The GUID can be generated by the server 206 andtransmitted alongside the protocol and/or library when transmitted tothe computing system 104 or infusion pump 102, as described above.

The change reservoir option 3910 guides a user of the software 2600through changing a drug reservoir used in conjunction with the medicalinfusion pump.

FIG. 40 shows the user interface 2900 with the reports tab 2960selected. During or after pump operation, reports including drugdelivery or event logs are used to detect the condition of a patient orof the medical infusion pump. The events which can be tracked usingreports tab 2960 are those which are available due to beingautomatically tracked by the medical infusion pump. The reports tab 2960presents a number of selectable options for generating reports of pumpactivity, including time/date information, drug delivery information,and other event information. The reports tab 2960 includes source fields4002 and option regions 4004. The source fields 4002 present a varietyof sources from which reports can be drawn. The source fields 4002 caninclude the medical infusion pump and stored reports saved within thenetwork. The option regions 4004 present a number of options related tothe selected source. For example, a report generated directly from amedical infusion pump can be produced based on prescription settings,and event log, a patient history, drug delivery, or a reported painscale. A report generated from a saved report can be produced byindicating the patient identification, the pump identification, or thereport type and date. A view field 4006, upon selection by a user,generates the report based on the source and options selected.

FIG. 41 shows a report user interface 4100 for displaying operation of amedical infusion pump. The report user interface 4100 shows the reportgenerated using the options selected in the report tab 2960. The reportshown in the report screen is a drug delivery report, and can beprinted, saved, or discarded by the user. The drug delivery report caninclude the volume of the drug delivered, as well as the timing ofdelivery of the drug. Additional attributes of the medical infusion pumpcan be reported in the drug delivery report as well.

Aspects of the invention described as being carried out by a computingsystem or otherwise described as a method of control or manipulation ofdata may be implemented in one or a combination of hardware, firmware,and software. Embodiments of the invention may also be implemented asinstructions stored on a machine-readable medium, which may be read andexecuted by at least one processor to perform the operations describedherein. A machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storingor transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., acomputer). For example, a machine-readable medium may include read-onlymemory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic disc storage media,optical storage media, flash-memory devices, electrical, optical,acoustical or other form of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves,infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), and others.

In the foregoing detailed description, various features are occasionallygrouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the subjectmatter require more features than are expressly recited in each claim.Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter liesin less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description,with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment.Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not belimited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

1. A method of programming a medical infusion pump comprising:displaying a meter having two or more locations, each of the two or morelocations representing a corresponding parameter value programmable intothe medical infusion pump; displaying an indicator having a selectablepositional relationship to the meter, the selected positioncorresponding to a parameter value.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising downloading the parameter value to the medical infusion pump.3. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the parametervalue.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein displaying the parameter valueincludes displaying a numerical value.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinthe two or more locations include a continuous range of parametervalues.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the meter is a slider bar. 7.The method of claim 6, wherein the indicator is a pointer positionablealong the slider bar.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the slider barincludes a warning region located along at least a portion of the sliderbar.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising issuing an alert whenthe pointer is located at a position in the warning region.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the alert is a flag set in software includedin the medical infusion pump.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein thealert is an audible alarm.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the alertis a visual indicator displayed on the medical infusion pump.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the visual indicator is a changed color onat least a portion of a display associated to the medical infusion pump.14. The method of claim 12, wherein the visual indicator is a flashingcolor on at least a portion of a display associated to the medicalinfusion pump.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the visual indicatoris a changing color on at least a portion of a display associated to themedical infusion pump.
 16. An apparatus for programming a medicalinfusion pump comprising: a memory configured to store at least twoparameter values programmable into the medical infusion pump; a monitor;a programmable circuit in electrical communication with the memory andthe monitor, the programmable circuit programmed to: display on themonitor a meter having two or more locations, each of the two or morelocations representing a corresponding parameter value programmable intothe medical infusion pump; display an indicator having a selectablepositional relationship to the meter, the selected positioncorresponding to a parameter value.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16,wherein the programmable circuit is further programmed to download theparameter value to the medical infusion pump.
 18. The apparatus of claim16, wherein the programmable circuit is further programmed to displaythe parameter value.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein theparameter value includes a numerical value.
 20. The apparatus of claim16, wherein the two or more locations include a continuous range ofparameter values.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the meter is aslider bar.
 22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the indicator is apointer positionable along the slider bar.
 23. The apparatus of claim20, wherein the slider bar includes a warning region located along atleast a portion of the slider bar.
 24. The apparatus of claim 22,wherein the programmable circuit is further programmed to issue an alertwhen the pointer is located at a position in the warning region.
 25. Amethod of programming a medical infusion pump comprising: displaying aslider bar having a plurality of locations, each of the plurality oflocations representing a corresponding parameter value programmable intothe medical infusion pump, the slider bar including a warning regionlocated along a portion of the slider bar; displaying an indicatormovable along the slider bar to a selected position, the selectedposition corresponding to a parameter value; downloading the parametervalue to the medical infusion pump; and upon detection of movement ofthe indicator to a position within the warning region, issuing an alert.26. A method of programming a medical infusion pump comprising: settingone or more hard limits to define a range of permissible parametervalues for programming a medical infusion pump; displaying a meterhaving two or more locations, each of the two or more locationsrepresenting a corresponding parameter value within the range;displaying an indicator having a positional relationship to the meter,the position corresponding to a parameter value within the range. 27.The method of claim 26, wherein the positional relationship between theindicator and the meter is selectable and defines the parameter value tobe programmed into the medical infusion pump.
 28. The method of claim26, wherein the meter is a slider bar.
 29. The method of claim 28,wherein the hard limits define ends of the slider bar.
 30. The method ofclaim 28, further comprising setting one or more soft limits to define asecond range within the first range, wherein the portion of the firstrange not within the second range comprises a warning region locatedalong at least a portion of the slider bar.
 31. The method of claim 30,further comprising issuing an alert when the pointer is located at aposition in the warning region.
 32. An apparatus for programming amedical infusion pump comprising: a memory configured to store at leasttwo parameter values programmable into the medical infusion pump and oneor more hard limits; a monitor; a programmable circuit in electricalcommunication with the memory and the monitor, the programmable circuitprogrammed to: set one or more hard limits to define a range ofpermissible parameter values for programming a medical infusion pump;display on the monitor a meter having two or more locations, each of thetwo or more locations representing a corresponding parameter valuewithin the range; display on the monitor an indicator having apositional relationship to the meter, the position corresponding to aparameter value within the range.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32, whereinthe programmable circuit is further programmed to allow selectableadjustment of the positional relationship between the indicator and themeter to define the parameter value to be programmed into the medicalinfusion pump.
 34. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the meter is aslider bar.
 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the memory is furtherconfigured to store one or more soft limits defining a second rangewithin the first range and the programmable circuit is furtherprogrammed to issue an alert if the parameter value is within the firstrange and not the second range.
 36. The apparatus of claim 35, whereinthe programmable circuit is further programmed to issue an alert whenthe pointer is located at a position in the warning region.
 37. Theapparatus of claim 35, wherein the programmable circuit is furtherprogrammed to display the meter using a graphical user interfaceassociable with one or more types of medical infusion pumps.